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Campfire Culture

by Ukulele Vagabond

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1.
I'm the Ukulele Vagabond Gregory Cooks the name I strum the Ukulele with no Ukulele shame And when iv finished strumming i just pick it up again My soul is from Hawaii and George formbys on my brain Quieten down you little Shite we only live upstairs The sound of Ukulele hurts our bloody boring ears Iv never heard such a din in all my 50 years Your blasted ukulele brings us Ukulele tears. I’m a ukulele rebel, Ukulele anarchist Ill strum the Ukulele til im ukulele pissed I dream of better times, when we’re free to just exist Our liberty gone societies wrong its messed up in insist Knock Knock Knock stop playing that thing you noisy little runt Your no Hawaiian singer your a ukulele **** Your lack of musical ability we always bear the brunt So quit that awful strumming and your singing cos you can’t Well I'm a ukulele savage I'm a Ukulele beast I drink the blood of neighbours at my ukulele feast And after 10 PM when my ukulelings Ceast Ill sling my strap back on and play til 10 15 at least. Knock knock knock can’t get your stupid music out my head Your no Hawaiian singer your a ukulele pleb Stop that awful playing and be careful how u tread I dream of peaceful days when the ukuleles dead I’m a Ukulele rastaman i love to burn one down I’ll play the Uke so loud that ill be heard in Kingston town I do not earn no money not a penny not a pound I just strum my ukulele to that reggae music sound. Quieten down you little swine your getting on my nerves Were trying to hear some real music by watching X-factor Listen to me lady upstairs just give music a chance While folks like you just watch TV, folks like me sing and dance Negative vibes flow down and break my ukulele trance So stop your fiercely militant anti-ukulele stance
2.
Compassion 04:02
Ill try my hand at reggae music, Why not Its not my normal tempo but ill give it a shot. Rasta rhythms keep me jigging pumping out my stereo Singing about the world and how we ought to know. About injustices occurring on a daily basis. People going about their day with frowns on their faces. Social values stagnant need a new beginning. There's only one song we should be singing. Live your life in a compassionate fashion Don’t blindly folla the dollar, folla your dreams and your passion Money will get you so far let your love be your guide Through the broken society we see outside. Normal rights eroded by them hour by hour. Decadent fools from public schools in positions of power. Their hearts are twisted, outlook warped, their morals are sour. While politicians make their rules the people cower. Some do not feel listened to when they speak. Passive disillusionment their outlook bleak. Corporate support and lack of real thought, share-holders kept sweet. But who is there to represent the poor and weak. Live your life in a compassionate fashion Don’t blindly folla the dollar, folla your dreams and your passion Money will get you so far let your love be your guide Through the broken society we see outside They take our human rights bill, they following their own will. Their welfare cuts and boom and bust are making me feel ill. A thoughtful peaceful attitude is what we need. Turn yourselves away from the contempt and greed We need fresh ideas, we need conscious thought. Instead we get an election which is easily bought. The richest back their bitches on the campaign trail The poorest boats don’t stay afloat the wealthy’s sail Live your life in a compassionate fashion Don’t blindly folla the dollar, folla your dreams and your passion Money will get you so far let your love be your guide Through the broken society we see outside
3.
At Voodoo lounge the local Plymouth, drinkers shrine Myself and my friend Dan sat at a quarter to 9 The night had been real scarey but the mood was still fine Cruising bars in Plymouth just to have a good time When suddenly out of nowhere, they get some bad news Thats why im standing here belting out the leaky tap blues My dealers getting lairy cos he hasn’t been paid My best friends on a mission just to get himself laid The landlord rings my phone and his voice sounds dismayed The tap has burst and run down all three floors im afraid I run back to my bedroom, its all down my walls The roof is fucking pissing like niagra falls My leeky tap has just ruined my Wednesday night The landlord tries to fix it he’ll be up all night The ceilings fucking sodden and the bedrooms a sight I try to keep my cool and just act calm and polite The bedrooms like Atlantis, you could captain a cruise That’s why I’m standing here singing about the leeky tap blues Christopher my flat mates at his girlfriend’s house They were getting kind of frisky, as he took off her blouse He struggled with her bra while sipping famous grouse A normal night at home with his redhead spouse They get the ghastly phone call, around quarter pass He tried to change his trousers but fell flat on his ass He fumbled out her front door about 9 24 The rain fell down in showers and the thunder did roar A shocking sight awaited him through his bedroom door He sighed at his misfortune under his breath he swore It poured out of his ceiling, and onto his floor His bed was even wetter then he left it before My leeky tap has just ruined my Wednesday night The landlord tries to fix it he’ll be up all night The ceilings fucking sodden and the bedrooms a sight I try to keep my cool and just act calm and polite The bedrooms like Atlantis, you could captain a cruise That’s why I’m standing here singing about the leeky tap blues The floorboards need replacing and the ceiling is damp I’m sleeping on my friend’s sofa like a drifter or tramp To all my bros and sisters at the leaky tap camp Ill sing it loud and proud through my custom made amp The problem will be fixed; we’ll be back at home soon Fingers crossed that’ll be the end of our plumbing misfortune My leeky tap has just ruined my Wednesday night The landlord tries to fix it he’ll be up all night The ceilings fucking sodden and the bedrooms a sight I try to keep my cool and just act calm and polite The bedrooms like Atlantis, you could captain a cruise That’s why I’m standing here singing about the leeky tap blues
4.
We search the whole world over for experience anew. We follow freedom instincts when our travel we pursue. We tell ourselves its healthy and it broadens our world view. But no one seems to question whether that is really true? Is there really paradise or just a state of mind, It’s time for me to take a trip to see what I can find, Away from all the cities stress, ill finally unwind A fresh new way of island of island life ill find my soul aligned I'v danced away so many nights to oh so many bands I'v found myself on empty beaches soft, white golden sands I'v travelled round the world seeking far and distant lands A ruckack on my back and ukulele in my hands Is there really paradise or just a state of mind, It’s time for me to take a trip to see what I can find, Away from all the cities stress, ill finally unwind A fresh new way of island of island life ill find my soul aligned. Will Hawaii be the place i'v wished for in my dreams A Calm and tranquil island with a ukulele theme Beaches long and empty and the atmosphere serene Turquoise oceans, cloudless skies and rivers clear and clean Is there really paradise or just a state of mind, It’s time for me to take a trip to see what I can find, Away from all the cities stress, ill finally unwind A fresh new way of island of island life ill find my soul aligned
5.
Ukulady 03:25
I may not have a lady but iv got my ukulele In my darkest hours her dulcet tones reach through the fog and save me She never gives me grief and she never acts that crazy She always gives me blessings and she never calls me lazy One fateful night a lonely Greg all by himself did shout A lonesome weary traveller with nobody about While he stared into her fretboard, she gave a ukulele pout He grabbed her body passionately and fucking strummed one out I may not have a lady but iv got my ukulele In my darkest hours her dulcet tones reach through the fog and save me She never gives me grief and she never acts that crazy She always gives me blessings and she never calls me lazy Cos she’s my Ukulele princess, she's my ukulele Queen. Ill have us both locked down in ukulele quarantine. She never seems to question where iv been or who iv seen. We’re the undisputed leaders of our ukulele scene. I may not have a lady but iv got my ukulele In my darkest hours her dulcet tones reach through the fog and save me She never gives me grief and she never acts that crazy She always gives me blessings and she never calls me lazy When you love your Uke so openly, you get some funny stares. She's a self confessed free spirit with no ukulele cares. Her tuneful spontaneity will catch you unawares. She smiles and shrugs her shoulders and this is what she says, she says. I may not have a lady but iv got my ukulele In my darkest hours her dulcet tones reach through the fog and save me She never gives me grief and she never acts that crazy She always gives me blessings and she never calls me lazy she says I love her curves, I love her rhythm, love her rounded oak carved trunk. She plays blues and jazz and soul and country, folk and dance and funk. She's an artist in her own right, not a gui-tar that's been shrunk She's my ukulele babe and I'm her ukulele hunk. I may not have a lady but iv got my ukulele In my darkest hours her dulcet tones reach through the fog and save me She never gives me grief and she never acts that crazy She always gives me blessings and she never calls me lazy
6.
Fruitarian 05:37
My name Paul and I’m an awkward dinner guest. The food i eat no veg, no meat just pear tree best interest. Never eat your tainted food fruitarian you’ve guessed. My friends just aren't as militant, they cheat they have confessed. They shake the trees so violently the fruits just fall straight down. Apples don’t show their discontent cos apple trees can’t frown. They Shed their fruits way before they fall off by themselves. Don't castrate a plum trees plums, respect the plants good health. My friends sing... Nudge that tree you dirty stinking hippie. Nudge that tree we need a juicy peach. That fruit just ain’t a falling. My hungry stomachs calling. My ethical limits have been reached. The Commune got divided, ideology was split. While some folks shook the fruit tree, others just stared at it. They ate so well their stomachs swelled their cloths no longer fit. While Paul and his companions, just ate a little bit. They waited for the fruits to fall but others shook them off. Some led lives of gluttony, they never had enough. For them their life was easy, but for others it was tough. The wealthy looked real healthy and the poor looked fucking rough. Nudge that tree you dirty stinking hippie. Nudge that tree we need a juicy peach. That fruit just ain’t a falling. My hungry stomachs calling. My ethical limits have been reached. All you fruitarians, stop staring at those fruit trees. Your scaring them, your scaring them. All you fruitarians, stop staring at those fruit trees. Your scaring them, your scaring them. All you fruitarians, stop staring at those fruit trees. Your scaring them, your scaring them fruitarians. All you fruitarians, stop staring at those fruit trees. Your scaring them your scaring them, Fruitarians. So what have we all learnt, from this metaphor or story. While modest folks will suffer, the greedy get the glory. Our leaders govern selfishly, they do not govern for me. The wealthy cliques of politics... Just simply bore me. Conduct yourself with empathy, respect the world we live in. Stand up for the vulnerable, equality's a given. See beyond a persons looks, their real essence is within. Have altruism as your guide and don’t be money driven.... Nudge that tree you dirty stinking hippie. Nudge that tree we need a juicy peach. That fruit just ain’t a falling. My hungry stomachs calling. My ethical limits have been reached.
7.
My feet are saying something. They're asking me to dance. They're always sore from working hard they never get the chance. My lungs are sick of breathing, this toxic city air. I do not even own a car it seems to me unfair. My spirits saying something, it wants a life anew. It's so confined by mundane life it doesn't know what's true. My mind is wrought with worry, although everything is fine. A fear of being penalised when you step out of line The festivals will give us, A sense of sweet release. But why are our lives not infused with endless inner peace. So if you don't like working, a job that you despise. A long work day for meagre pay is slavery in disguise. My ears are hearing something, that has been heard before. The crimes of the wealthy, scapegoated on the poor. They blame the immigration or those on benefits. They'd rather cut the public funds then cease the bankers assets. My eyes are seeing something, reported by the news. Illegal wars for no just cause the poor are bound to loose. Deceit and lies to justify their military aims. Civilian toil for corporate oil and rich shareholder gains. The festivals will give us, A sense of sweet release. But why are our lives not infused with endless inner peace. So if you don't like working, a job that you despise. A long work day for meagre pay is slavery in disguise. Whoa Whoa My feet are saying something and they're asking me to dance. Whoa Whoa My feet are saying something but they never get the chance. My heart is saying something, it wants a new way out. This lonely isolation isn't what life's all about. Society's fragmented and our doors are locked and shut. They sell us pointless items to appease consumer glut. Possessions arn't important there's a world out there to see. Deny the individual embrace community. Cast your cautiousness aside and open your front door. Be open loving joyful and see what life has in store. The festivals will give us, A sense of sweet release. But why are our lives not infused with endless inner peace. So if you don't like working, a job that you despise. A long work day for meagre pay is slavery in disguise. Whoa Whoa My feet are saying something and they're asking me to dance. Whoa Whoa My feet are saying something but they never get the chance.
8.
Droppout 05:13
I did something real bold today, quit my university. What the hell will my parents say I don’t know. Employment prospects looking bleak, a new career path i must seek. But that can wait until next week cos its a lovely day. Oh my confidence is up and down, sometimes I smile and then i frown. Im still wearing my dressing gown and its hours past midday. Im feeling sad and i need some hugs, cos on Saturday night I took some drugs. But thats not why i quit my course but it probably didn’t help. Cos Im free, im free theres less hard work for me. My unis done lets have some fun lets party. I’m free, I’v freed my creativity. We’ll write some songs, we’ll do no wrong, we’ll dance the night away. I’m free, Im free and freedom isn’t lost on me. My inner child is hyper and my rock stars off his tree. I’m free, I’m free. From that hard work and strife. Ill set my sights on brighter days and really live my life. Our time is precious, make it count, play safe and know that no amount. Of money makes you satisfied, your loved ones hold the key. Work hard so we can make the bills, overlook our social ills Work and strain for little gain, the cost of living rises. Some people loose themselves for years, dissatisfied by their careers. Free spirits confined, by a schedule with too little time. Find a new way out again, search for peace and find your zen. Spent time with family and friends, and revel in the glory of being. Im free, im free theres less hard work for me. My unis done lets have some fun lets party. I’m free, I’v freed my creativity. We’ll write some songs, we’ll do no wrong, we’ll dance the night away. I’m free, Im free and freedom isn’t lost on me. My inner child is hyper and my rock stars off his tree. I’m free, I’m free. From that hard work and strife. Ill set my sights on brighter days and really live. When I rest my weary head, I’ll close my eyes and sleep instead Of worrying about what work to do tomorrow. Part of me needs to progress, most of me don’t need to stress Life is for enjoyment not for squandering away After all I think ill find some better way to spend my time Away from Uni libraries and computer screens so bright. The service that you must enlist is ukulele therapist If you wanna lead the good life, and revel in the glory of being. Im free, im free theres less hard work for me. My unis done lets have some fun lets party. I’m free, I’v freed my creativity. We’ll write some songs, we’ll do no wrong, we’ll dance the night away. I’m free, Im free and freedom isn’t lost on me. My inner child is hyper and my rock stars off his tree. I’m free, I’m free. From that hard work and strife. Ill set my sights on brighter days and really live my life.
9.
Jack Saxby 02:25
Your sat there in your office and you like to wield your power. Your paying all your staff a meger 6.50 an hour. You used to act real nice, now your turning kind of sour. Please give me more money Jack Saxby Oh i cant afford the rent and i cant afford new shoes While Father gets more money all your on shift staff they lose. Your really kind of stingy and your morals misconstrued. I hope this song don’t lead onto an angry Saxby Feud I walked into my coop for to buy myself a drink My bank balance dyer and my finance on the brink I cant afford a pepsi or to fix my kitchen sink. My choice of job has left me with an overdraft i think. I cant afford the rent and i cant afford new shoes While Father gets more money all your on shift staff they loose Your really kind of stingy and your morals misconstrued I hope this song don’t lead onto an angry Saxby feud I used to earn more money in my days of mowing lawns I like my job but should i find a new one now i’m torn. My decent wage has disappeared like Andrew Early’s prawns Please give me more money Jack Saxby I cant afford the rent and i cant afford new shoes While Father gets more money all your on shift staff they loose Your really kind of stingy and your morals misconstrued I hope this song don’t lead onto an angry Pashby feud Please give me more money Jack Saxby I can't afford the rent, I cant afford new shoes Please give me more money Jack Saxby While father gets more money all your onshift staff they loose. Please give me more money Jack Saxby Ladadadadida Please give me more money Jack Saxby
10.
Some days we tend to ponder, the world in all its glory Whether science or religion, is your creation story Some days we talk of politics, of labour greens or torys Or of the worlds bad sickness, how society is poorly Some days we paint great works of art, straight off while barely blinking Then off to the tavern we then go and several pints we’re sinking Somedays we get ourselves tied up in DMCs and thinking Other days we fall back on our good old friend called drinking My visions blurry, balance off its only ten to ten A few of my work collegues’ll never talk to me again I’v found my way into a pub of leery drunk old men And I’m seriously considering going home with one of them Some days we end up yearning for a spiritual life of rest We tell ourselves a zenful life is in out best interest Our soulful guiding presence leads the way and we feel blessed We meditate and feel real great don’t last long cos you’ve guessed Some days we paint great works of art, straight off while barely blinking Then off to the tavern we then go and several pints we’re sinking Somedays we get ourselves tied up in DMCs and thinking Other days we fall back on our good old friend called drinking My visions blurry, balance off its only 9:15 I’v dropped a tab of acid, it feels like im in a dream I’m on a massive bender with a man called Charlie sheen It feels as if im winning but iv caused a fucking scene Somedays we write good music indulge our creative flare We freely pour our hearts out like we haven’t got a care We sing ourselves a love song bout that bonny girl so fair Or how wer’re getting older and we feel our wear and tear Some days we paint great works of art, straight off while barely blinking Then off to the tavern we then go and several pints we’re sinking Somedays we get ourselves tied up in DMCs and thinking Other days we fall back on our good old friend called drinking My visions blurry, balance off its eleven forty five My innate sense of dignity has crawled away and died The rules of all these pubs and clubs i just cannot abide They all refuse me entry so I hang around outside
11.
Government came and they stolen all my Ganga. Flickadoo-da-deh Now Iv got to spend some more to buy some more from the drug man. And you hear them say. There's No point to legalise it, It would send the world into crisis. They're waging a war that has had its day. I'm working long hard day got to keep my outlook bright. I exercise and eat well make my body feel right. But sometime in the week when my workday ends. I choose to puff the sensi, listen tunes with my friends. There breaking down our doors but its not a moral crime. Just a couple evenings weekly I dont smoke it all the time. I am not causing trouble but they say I cross the line. They think i'm acting badly but I think im acting fine. Government came and they stolen all my Ganga. Flickadoo-da-deh Now Iv got to spend some more to buy some more from the drug man. And you hear them say. There's No point to legalise it, It would send the world into crisis. They're waging a war that has had its day. They're making it illegal now the moneys with the thug. they always seem remorseful bout the normal folk they bug. I say it is a plant and they say it is a drug. Always watching over me and treat me like a mug. I profess to be an advocate of moderate use. I do not condone excesses I do not condone abuse. But freedom to act in a positive way. Sometimes burn the Ganga herb no matter what they say. Government came and they stolen all my Ganga. Flickadoo-da-deh Now Iv got to spend some more to buy some more from the drug man. And you hear them say. There's No point to legalise it, It would send the world into crisis. They're waging a war that has had its day. Flickadoo da dey They're waging a war that has had its day. And you hear them say They're waging a war that has had Its day

about

Campfire Culture is a combination of smooth acoustic instrumentation with background campfire noises, carefully produced to emulate a peaceful intimate live feel of a campfire jam. The songs are written by Gregory Cook a.k.a. The Ukulele vagabond whose unique style of wistful, reflective, nostalgic songwriting tackles a range of topics from social commentary to environmental issues to feeling well rounded and spiritually balanced.

credits

released March 1, 2017

Gregory Cook: Songwriting, Vocals, vocal harmonies, composition, ukulele and double bass
Paula Thomas: Harmony vocals and Djembe
Paddy Longlegs: Guitar and Production
Michael Klein: Keyboard
Marc Randall: Guitar
Daniel Gunning: Percussion

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Ukulele Vagabond Plymouth, UK

Musician, teacher, multi-instrumentalist and general ukulele enthusiast. The Ukulele Vagabond has two albums with genres of music as diverse as hip hop, reggae, country, blues, folk, calypso and much more.

His themes range from social justice to comedy to lifestyle and love for nature.
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